CN110678272A

CN110678272A - Glass slide cleaner

Info

Publication number: CN110678272A
Application number: CN201880033625.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 艾哈迈德·伊姆拉利
Original assignee: Ai HamaideYimulali
Current assignee: Ai HamaideYimulali
Priority date: 2017-05-04
Filing date: 2018-05-03
Publication date: 2020-01-10
Also published as: GB2562081A; US20210001343A1; EP3618977A1; GB2562081B; WO2018203066A1; US11779962B2; GB201707087D0

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a slide cleaner apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a cleaning chamber configured to hold a cytometry slide; at least one fluid inlet arranged to substantially align with an inlet on a cytometric slide when positioned within the chamber and configured to deliver a cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber and the slide; and at least one fluid outlet configured to remove cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber and the slide. The present disclosure also extends to a method of cleaning a cytometry slide.

Description

Glass slide cleaner

Technical Field

The present invention relates to slide cleaners, and more particularly to a slide cleaner for cleaning slides used in a cytometer. The invention also extends to a method of cleaning a cytometry slide.

Background

A cell counter is a machine that automatically counts cells in culture. Typically, trypan blue is mixed with the cells and then loaded into a disposable cell counting chamber slide. The slide can then be inserted into a cell counter that rapidly and reliably counts the cells. Since the slides are disposable, there is no risk of cross-contamination. However, the cost of disposable cytometry chamber slides can be high, and due to their disposable nature, the use of slides can generate large amounts of solid biohazardous waste. Thus, some manufacturers of cytometers have begun to provide reusable slides. However, reusable slides are much more expensive to purchase than disposable slides and are prone to breakage because they typically comprise a glass material. Furthermore, the slides require manual cleaning and drying, which can take a significant amount of time and can put the personnel cleaning the slides at risk of being exposed to biohazards. In addition, there is a risk of contamination due to incorrect cleaning of the slides during use.

The present invention arose as a result of the inventors' attempts to overcome the problems associated with the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a slide cleaner apparatus comprising: a cleaning chamber configured to hold a cytometry slide; at least one fluid inlet arranged to substantially align with an inlet on a cytometric slide when positioned within the chamber and configured to deliver a cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber and the slide; and at least one fluid outlet configured to remove cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber and the slide.

Advantageously, in use, cleaning fluid is fed into the chamber from the inlet so that it enters the slide, removes cells and other contaminants, and then flows through the outlet to clean the slide.

The cleaning chamber may define a maximum length of between 50mm and 200mm, more preferably between 60mm and 150mm, or between 70mm and 100mm, most preferably between 75mm and 80 mm. The cleaning chamber may be configured to define a maximum width of between 10mm and 100mm, more preferably between 15mm and 50mm or between 20mm and 40mm, and most preferably between 25mm and 30 mm. The cleaning chamber may be configured to define a depth of between 1mm and 20mm, more preferably between 1.2mm and 10mm, between 1.3mm and 5mm, between 1.4mm and 4mm or between 1.5mm and 3mm, and most preferably between 1.65mm and 2 mm. In the most preferred embodiment, the depth of the chamber is 1.8 mm. Preferably, the depth of the chamber is substantially the same across its width and length.

The cleaning chamber may be configured to accommodate

Cell counter slide or

A cytometer slide. Thus, the cleaning chamber may be substantially cuboid and define a base and four walls. Alternatively, the cleaning chamber may be configured to house Bio-Rad

A cytometer slide.

Preferably, the chamber is configured to receive

A cytometer slide.

Preferably, the at least one fluid inlet is disposed at the base of the chamber. Preferably, the or each inlet defines a maximum width of between 1mm and 20mm, more preferably between 2mm and 15mm or between 3mm and 10mm, and most preferably between 4mm and 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the or each inlet defines a width of about 6 mm. Preferably, the inlet defines a maximum length of between 0.5mm and 10mm, more preferably between 1mm and 7.5mm, or between 1.5mm and 5mm, and most preferably between 2mm and 3 mm. Preferably, the or each inlet defines a substantially semi-circular shape.

Preferably, the or each inlet comprises a fluid injector configured to deliver cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber and the slide. Preferably, the sparger extends 0.01mm to 3mm above the base of the chamber, more preferably 0.1mm to 2mm above the base of the chamber, and most preferably 0.25mm to 1mm above the base of the chamber.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises two inlets. Preferably, each inlet is arranged to substantially align with an inlet on a cytometry slide when positioned on the chamber. Advantageously, the inlet discharges fluid into a cell chamber in the slide.

Preferably, the or each outlet is arranged to substantially align with an outlet on the cytometry slide. Preferably, the at least one fluid outlet is disposed at the base of the chamber. Preferably the or each outlet defines a maximum width of between 1mm and 20mm, more preferably between 2mm and 15mm or between 3mm and 10mm, and most preferably between 4mm and 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the or each outlet defines a width of about 6 mm. Preferably, the or each outlet defines a maximum length of between 0.25mm and 10mm, more preferably between 0.5mm and 7.5mm, or between 0.75mm and 5mm, and most preferably between 1mm and 2 mm. Preferably, the or each outlet defines a substantially rectangular shape.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises two outlets. Preferably, each outlet is arranged to substantially align with an outlet on a cytometry slide when positioned on the chamber. Advantageously, the outlet removes fluid from the cell chamber in the slide.

Preferably, the two outlets are disposed substantially between the two inlets.

Preferably, the base of the chamber comprises silicon, more preferably a silicon liner. In one embodiment, the silicon substrate has a shore a hardness of 10 to 40 at 20 ℃, more preferably 20 to 30 at 20 ℃, and most preferably about 27 at 20 ℃. In an alternative embodiment, the silicon substrate has a shore a hardness of 5 to 40 at 20 ℃, more preferably 7.5 to 30 at 20 ℃, and most preferably 10 to 20 at 20 ℃. Thus, the shore a hardness may be about 15 at 20 ℃. Advantageously, the silicon lining enables a seal to be formed around the slide in use, ensuring that the cleaning fluid does not leak.

Preferably, the slide cleaner comprises a cover configured to removably cover the cleaning chamber (and slide (when present)). In a preferred embodiment, the cover is pivotally attached to the slide cleaner such that the cover moves between a closed configuration in which the cover covers the cleaning chamber (and slide (when present)) and an open configuration in which the cover allows access to the cleaning chamber (and slide (when present)).

Preferably, the device comprises locking means configured to lock the lid in the closed configuration. In one embodiment, the locking device comprises: a stud comprising a magnetic metal disposed on the cover; and a locking point comprising an electromagnet disposed at least adjacent to the stud when the lid is in the closed configuration, and vice versa. When the lid is in the closed configuration, the electromagnet may be activated, thereby locking the lid.

However, in a preferred embodiment, the locking means comprises a stud disposed on the lid and a further stud disposed on the locking point, wherein the studs are arranged substantially adjacent to each other when the lid is in the closed configuration. One of the studs may comprise metal and the other stud may comprise a magnet. However, in a preferred embodiment, both studs comprise a magnet, preferably a neodymium magnet. Advantageously, when the lid is closed, the lid remains in the closed configuration due to magnetic attraction.

Preferably, the maximum width of each stud is between 1mm and 50mm, more preferably between 2.5mm and 35mm, and most preferably between 5mm and 15 mm. Preferably, the maximum length of each stud is between 1mm and 50mm, more preferably between 2.5mm and 35mm, and most preferably between 5mm and 15 mm. Preferably, the maximum depth of each stud is between 1mm and 50mm, more preferably between 2.5mm and 35mm, and most preferably between 5mm and 15 mm.

Preferably, the cover comprises at least one projection arranged to substantially align with an inlet on a cytometry slide when the cover is in the closed configuration. Preferably, the cover comprises at least one protrusion arranged to substantially align with an outlet on the cytometry slide when the cover is in the closed configuration. Preferably, the or each projection is located on the underside of the lid such that when the lid is in the closed configuration, the or each projection is in contact with the chamber (when present). In a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises three projections. For example, one projection is aligned with two outlets, one projection is aligned with a first inlet and the other projection is aligned with a second inlet. Advantageously, the one or more protrusions push the slide downward and hold the slide securely within the cleaning chamber when the lid is in the closed configuration.

Preferably, the device comprises a bumper configured to prevent the lid from being struck violently when closed. Preferably, the damper comprises a piston, preferably a slowly moving piston. The piston may include a rubber coating. Preferably, the bumper is disposed substantially adjacent to the chamber.

Preferably, the slide cleaner comprises: a cleaning fluid reservoir configured to store a cleaning fluid therein; and a cleaning fluid conduit extending between the cleaning fluid reservoir and the at least one fluid inlet and configured to transport cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the or each inlet.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises: a cleaning fluid pump configured to pump cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the or each inlet along a cleaning fluid conduit. Preferably, the pump is configured to pump cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the or each injector along a cleaning fluid conduit. Preferably, the pump is a peristaltic pump.

Preferably, the cleaning fluid comprises a liquid. Preferably, the cleaning fluid comprises water, more preferably deionized water. In an embodiment, the cleaning fluid comprises an alcohol. Thus, the cleaning fluid may comprise from 1% to 50% (v/v) alcohol, preferably from 5% to 40% (v/v) alcohol, more preferably from 10% to 30% (v/v) alcohol, and most preferably about 20% (v/v) alcohol. The alcohol may include ethanol, propanol, and/or isopropanol. Preferably, the cleaning fluid comprises a surfactant. The surfactant may comprise Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS). The cleaning fluid may comprise from 0.01 to 20 wt% surfactant, preferably from 0.1 to 10 wt% surfactant, more preferably from 0.5 to 5 wt% surfactant.

In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is provided in the form of a dishwashing liquid. In a most preferred embodiment, the cleaning fluid comprises deionized water and about 1% by weight dishwashing liquid.

The cleaning fluid may contain effective preservatives at low concentrations to prevent contamination and growth of microorganisms during use. The preservative may comprise sodium azide (NaN)₃). The cleaning fluid may comprise from 0.001 to 5 wt% preservative, preferably from 0.01 to 1 wt% preservative, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.5 wt% preservative.

Preferably, the slide cleaner comprises: a waste fluid reservoir configured to store a waste fluid therein; and a waste fluid conduit extending between the or each outlet and the waste fluid reservoir and configured to transport fluid from the or each outlet to the waste fluid reservoir.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a pump, preferably a vacuum pump, configured to draw fluid from the or each outlet. Advantageously, the pump draws air through the inlet and the slide when the slide is present. Preferably, the pump is configured to pump fluid from the or each outlet along the waste fluid conduit into the waste fluid reservoir. Preferably, the apparatus comprises an air conduit extending between the waste fluid reservoir and the pump. Advantageously, the vacuum pump creates a negative pressure in the waste fluid reservoir, thereby causing fluid within the chamber to flow along the waste fluid conduit through the outlet into the waste fluid reservoir.

Preferably, the air conduit comprises a filter. Preferably, the filter is a hydrophobic filter. Preferably, the pore size of the filter is less than 10 μm, more preferably less than 5 μm, less than 4 μm, less than 3 μm, less than 2 μm or less than 1 μm, most preferably less than 0.75 μm, less than 0.5 μm or less than 0.25 μm. Advantageously, the filter prevents liquid and other waste in the waste reservoir from entering the pump.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises an air pump configured to pump air into the or each inlet.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect whether a slide is placed within the cleaning chamber. Preferably, the sensor is configured to detect whether the slide is disposed within the cleaning chamber and whether the cover is in the closed configuration. Preferably, the sensor is located at the base of the chamber. Preferably, the sensor comprises a projection movable between a first extended position in which the projection extends above the base of the chamber and a second retracted position in which the projection is substantially flush with the base of the chamber. Preferably, the sensor comprises a biasing means configured to bias the sensor to the first extended position. Preferably, the biasing means comprises a spring. Preferably, in the first extended position, the height to which the projection extends above the base of the chamber is less than the depth of the chamber. Thus, in the first extended position, the sensor may extend 0.1mm to 5mm above the base of the chamber, preferably 0.2mm to 2.5mm, 0.4mm to 2mm, 0.6mm to 1.5mm or 0.7mm to 1.4mm above the base of the chamber, most preferably 0.8mm to 1.2mm above the base of the chamber. Preferably, the projection is configured to move to the second retracted position when a slide is placed in the chamber and the cover is moved to the closed configuration.

Preferably, the slide cleaner comprises control means configured to run a wash cycle on the apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus comprises activation means which, when activated by a user, is configured to send a signal to said control means to initiate a wash cycle. The activation means may comprise a button. Preferably, the control means is configured to check the position of the protrusion when the activation means sends a signal to the control means. Preferably, the control device is configured to run a washing cycle or a drying cycle if the protrusion is in the second retracted position. Preferably, the control means is configured to run the washing cycle or the drying cycle only when the protrusion is placed in the second retracted position.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured to run an automatic wash cycle. Preferably, the automatic wash cycle comprises a duration of 0.001 to 120 seconds. Advantageously, the slide can be cleaned in a time of 0.001 to 120 seconds.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises selection means configured to allow a user to select an automatic wash cycle. Preferably, the selection means comprises a switch, more preferably a toggle switch, more preferably the switch is biased in the first position. Preferably, the controller is configured to run the automatic wash cycle when the switch is in the first position and the activation device is activated.

Preferably, at the start of an automatic wash cycle, the control means is configured to send a signal to the vacuum pump causing the vacuum pump to turn on and remove fluid from the cleaning chamber. Preferably, at the end of the automatic wash cycle, the control means is configured to signal the vacuum pump to shut down the vacuum pump. Preferably, the control means is configured to keep the vacuum pump on for the duration of the automatic wash cycle.

Preferably, the control device is configured to run the cleaning fluid phase during the automatic wash cycle. Preferably, at the start of the cleaning fluid phase, the control means is configured to send a signal to the cleaning fluid pump to cause the cleaning fluid pump to turn on and feed cleaning fluid into the or each inlet and through the slide chamber. Preferably, the control device is configured to send a signal to the cleaning fluid pump, so that the cleaning fluid pump is turned on at the start of the automatic wash cycle. Preferably, at the end of the cleaning fluid phase, the control device is configured to send a signal to the cleaning fluid pump, thereby causing the cleaning fluid pump to be switched off.

Preferably, the control device is configured to run a plurality of cleaning fluid phases during the wash cycle. Thus, the control device may be configured to run 1 to 30 cleaning fluid phases during the automatic wash cycle, preferably 2 to 20 cleaning fluid phases during the automatic wash cycle, more preferably 3 to 10 cleaning fluid phases during the automatic wash, most preferably 4 to 5 cleaning fluid phases during the automatic wash cycle. Preferably, the time between successive cleaning fluid phases is from 0.001 to 120 seconds or from 0.005 to 60 seconds, more preferably from 0.01 to 30 seconds or from 0.05 to 10 seconds, most preferably from 0.5 to 5 seconds or from 0.5 to 3 seconds.

Preferably, the control means is configured to allow the or each cleaning fluid phase for 0.001 to 120 seconds or 0.005 to 60 seconds, more preferably 0.01 to 30 seconds or 0.05 to 10 seconds, most preferably 0.5 to 5 seconds, or 1 to 3 seconds.

In one embodiment, the control device is configured to start the first cleaning fluid phase at the same time as starting the automatic wash cycle.

In one embodiment, the control device is configured to terminate the final cleaning fluid phase at the same time as terminating the automatic wash cycle. However, in one embodiment, the control means is configured to terminate the final cleaning fluid phase 0.5 to 500 seconds before terminating the wash cycle, more preferably 1 to 250 seconds or 5 to 100 seconds before terminating the wash cycle, and most preferably 10 to 30 seconds before terminating the automatic wash cycle. In an alternative embodiment, the control means is configured to terminate the final cleaning fluid phase 0.1 to 100 seconds before terminating the wash cycle, more preferably 0.5 to 50 seconds or 1 to 20 seconds before terminating the wash cycle, and most preferably 2 to 10 seconds before terminating the automatic wash cycle. Advantageously, the automatic wash cycle comprises a drying phase configured to dry the slides.

The drying phase is preferably initiated at the end of the final cleaning fluid phase. In some embodiments, the control means is configured to send a signal to the air pump to cause the air pump to turn on at the start of the drying phase and to pump air into the inlet. Preferably, at the end of the automatic washing cycle, the control means is configured to send a signal to the air pump, causing the air pump to turn off. Advantageously, the air pump increases the speed of slide drying.

The selection means preferably allows the user to select a manual wash cycle. In embodiments where the selection means comprises a switch, the apparatus may be configured to initiate a manual wash cycle when the user places the switch in the second position. The device may be configured to terminate the manual wash cycle when the switch returns to the first position. Preferably, the apparatus comprises biasing means configured to urge the switch to the first position. Advantageously, the biasing means returns the switch to the first position when the user releases the switch.

Preferably, at the start of a manual wash cycle, the control means is configured to send a signal to the cleaning fluid pump causing the cleaning fluid pump to turn on and feed cleaning fluid into the or each inlet and through the slide chamber. Preferably, at the start of the manual wash cycle, the control device is configured to send a signal to the cleaning fluid pump, thereby causing the cleaning fluid pump to be switched off. Preferably, the control means is configured to keep the cleaning fluid pump on for the duration of the manual wash cycle.

Preferably, at the start of a manual wash cycle, the control means is configured to send a signal to the vacuum pump causing the vacuum pump to turn on and remove fluid from the cleaning chamber. Preferably, at the end of the manual wash cycle, the control means is configured to signal the vacuum pump to shut down the vacuum pump. Preferably, the control means is configured to keep the vacuum pump on for the duration of the manual wash cycle.

The selection means preferably allows the user to select a manual drying cycle. In embodiments where the selection means comprises a switch, the apparatus may be configured to initiate a manual wash cycle when the user places the switch in the third position. The apparatus may be configured to terminate the manual drying cycle when the switch returns to the first position. Preferably, the apparatus comprises biasing means configured to urge the switch to the first position. Advantageously, the biasing means returns the switch to the first position when the user releases the switch.

Preferably, at the start of the manual drying cycle, the control means is configured to send a signal to the vacuum pump to cause the vacuum pump to turn on and remove fluid from the cleaning chamber. Preferably, at the end of the manual drying cycle, the control means is configured to signal the vacuum pump to shut down the vacuum pump. Preferably, the control means is configured to keep the vacuum pump on for the duration of the manual drying cycle.

Preferably, at the start of the manual drying cycle, the control means is configured to send a signal to the air pump to cause the air pump to turn on at the start of the drying phase and to pump air into the inlet. Preferably, at the end of the manual drying cycle, the control means is configured to send a signal to the air pump, causing the air pump to turn off.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises an ejection device configured to eject the slide from the chamber. Preferably, the ejection means comprises a sensor. Preferably, the projection is movable to a third further extended position in which the projection extends to a height above the base of the chamber greater than the depth of the chamber. Preferably, in the third further extended position, the sensor may extend 1mm to 50mm above the base of the chamber, preferably 2mm to 25mm, 3mm to 20mm, 4mm to 15mm or 5mm to 10mm above the base of the chamber, most preferably 6mm to 8mm above the base of the chamber. Advantageously, in the third further extended position the sensor lifts the slide upwards to assist removal from the chamber.

The ejection device may comprise an actuation device configured to move the sensor to the third further extended position upon actuation. The actuation means may be configured to send a signal to the control means upon actuation, and the control means may be configured to subsequently send a signal to the sensor to move the projection to the third further extended position. The actuation means may comprise a button. In a preferred embodiment, the activation device also serves as the actuation device. Preferably, when the activation means sends a signal to the control means, the control means is configured to check the position of the projection, and if the projection is in the first extended position, the control means is configured to move the projection to a third further extended position.

The inventors believe that the method of cleaning the slide is novel in itself.

Thus, according to a second aspect, there is provided a method of cleaning a cytometry slide, the method comprising:

-placing a cytometric slide into the clean chamber;

-substantially aligning the slide inlet with the cleaning fluid inlet within the chamber;

-feeding a cleaning fluid through the cleaning fluid inlet into the cleaning chamber and the inlet of the slide and allowing the cleaning fluid to flow through the slide; and is

-removing fluid from the cleaning chamber and slide through a cleaning fluid outlet in the chamber.

Preferably, the method comprises aligning two inlets of the slide with two cleaning fluid inlets in the chamber. Preferably, the method comprises feeding cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber and the two inlets of the slide through the two cleaning fluid inlets and flowing the fluid over the slide.

Preferably, feeding the cleaning fluid through the cleaning fluid inlet includes feeding the cleaning fluid through a cleaning fluid injector disposed in the cleaning fluid inlet.

Preferably, the method comprises aligning an outlet of the slide with a cleaning fluid outlet in the chamber. More preferably, the method includes aligning two outlets of the slide with two cleaning fluid outlets in the chamber. Preferably, the method comprises removing fluid from the cleaning chamber and the slide through two cleaning fluid outlets in the chamber.

Preferably, the method comprises removing fluid from the cleaning chamber and the slide by generating a vacuum configured to draw fluid through the or each outlet.

Preferably, after placing the slide in the cleaning chamber and before discharging the cleaning fluid into the chamber, the method comprises placing a cover over the chamber. Preferably, the method includes locking the lid in place.

Preferably, the method includes sensing the slide within the chamber and a cover over the chamber prior to discharging the cleaning fluid into the chamber.

Preferably, the discharging the cleaning fluid into the chamber comprises discharging the cleaning fluid into the chamber for a predetermined time. More preferably, discharging the cleaning fluid into the chamber comprises discharging the cleaning fluid into the chamber a plurality of times, wherein each time at predetermined intervals. Preferably, the predetermined interval is from 0.001 to 120 seconds or from 0.005 to 60 seconds, more preferably from 0.01 to 30 seconds or from 0.05 to 10 seconds, most preferably from 0.5 to 5 seconds or from 0.5 to 3 seconds.

Preferably, discharging the fluid into the chamber comprises discharging the cleaning fluid into the chamber 1 to 30 times, or 2 to 20 times, more preferably 3 to 10 times, most preferably 4 to 5 times. Preferably, the predetermined time is from 0.001 to 120 seconds or from 0.005 to 60 seconds, more preferably from 0.01 to 30 seconds or from 0.05 to 10 seconds, most preferably from 0.5 to 5 seconds or from 1 to 3 seconds.

Preferably, removing fluid from the cleaning chamber comprises removing cleaning fluid and/or air from the cleaning chamber. Preferably, the method includes removing fluid from the cleaning chamber and the slide while simultaneously discharging the cleaning fluid into the chamber. Preferably, the method comprises removing fluid from the cleaning chamber during the or each predetermined interval.

Preferably, after discharging the cleaning fluid into the chamber, or in embodiments where the cleaning fluid is discharged multiple times, after the last discharge of the cleaning fluid, the method includes drying the slide. The slides may be dried using negative pressure. It is understood that negative pressure is any pressure less than ambient pressure. Therefore, it can be understood that air can be sucked through the inlet since a negative pressure has been formed downstream thereof. Thus, drying the slide can include removing fluid from the cleaning chamber for 0.5 to 500 seconds, more preferably 1 to 250 seconds or 5 to 100 seconds, and most preferably 10 to 30 seconds.

However, in alternative embodiments, the slides may be dried using positive pressure. It is understood that positive pressure is any pressure greater than ambient pressure. It will therefore be appreciated that air may be forced through the inlet by creating a positive pressure upstream thereof. Thus, in an alternative embodiment, drying the slide includes sending air into the inlet 0.1 to 100 seconds before terminating the wash cycle, more preferably 0.5 to 50 seconds or 1 to 20 seconds before terminating the wash cycle, and most preferably 2 to 10 seconds before terminating the automatic wash cycle. Advantageously, the slides dry faster using positive pressure.

Preferably, the method then comprises removing the lid.

Preferably, the method includes ejecting the slide from the chamber. Preferably, ejecting the slide from the chamber comprises moving the projection to a further extended position whereby the projection extends to a height above the base of the chamber greater than the depth of the chamber. Preferably, the method comprises manually removing the slide from the chamber.

All of the features described herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a slide cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the slide cleaner of FIG. 1;

fig. 3 shows two embodiments of a cytometric slide that can be cleaned using a slide cleaner. FIG. 3a is

A cytometer slide. FIG. 3b is Bio-Rad

A cytometer slide; and FIG. 3c is

A cytometer slide.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slide support platform forming part of the slide cleaner of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the slide support platform of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative slide support platform;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a slide cleaner;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustrating the timing of a suitable wash cycle; and

fig. 9 is a front view of an alternative slide cleaner.

Detailed Description

A slide cleaner device 2 is shown in fig. 1 and 2, and is used to clean (i.e., wash and dry) a cytometric slide 100, three embodiments of which are shown in fig. 3. It will be appreciated that the shape of the slides is different. As shown in FIG. 3a, the apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 1 is designed to be connected toA cytometer slide 100a is used together. However, as described below, the apparatus may be modified for use with other slides, such as Bio-Rad

Cytometer slide 100b or

A cytometer slide 100c, as shown in figures 3b and 3 c. The device 2 comprises a body 4 of substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Disposed on the top surface 6 of the body 4 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped platform 8, which is shown in detail in fig. 4. The platform 8 includes a first flange 10 extending from a front face 12 of the platform 8 and a second flange (not shown) extending from a rear face (not shown) of the platform 8. Screws 14 extend through the flange 10 into the body 4 to secure the platform 8 to the body 4.

As shown in fig. 2, the platform 8 defines a cavity 16, the cavity 16 comprising a generally rectangular parallelepiped recess in a top surface 18 of the platform 8. Chamber 16 is sized to receive a cytometry slide 100, such as a cytometry chamber slide similar to slide 100a shown in fig. 3 a. Such slides 100 are 25mm x 75mm x 1.65mm, and the chamber 16 is 26mm x76mm x 1.8 mm. The base of chamber 16 is lined with a silicone lining having a shore a hardness of 27 at 20 ℃ for improved sealing with slide 100 when inserted therein.

As shown in FIG. 4, two spaced outlets 26 are defined at the base of the chamber 16, these outlets 26 defining a rectangular slot 1.5mm in length and 6mm in width. The outlet 26 is centrally located between the left and

right sides

23, 25 of the chamber, i.e. there is a gap of 10mm between the outlet 26 and either

side

23, 25 of the chamber. The first outlet 26 is located 34mm from the front side 22 of the chamber, the second outlet 26 is located 34mm from the rear side 24 of the chamber, and the gap between the first outlet and the second outlet 26 is 4 mm.

A first inlet 27 is disposed between the outlet 26 and the front side 22 of the chamber 16 and a second inlet 27 is disposed between the outlet 26 and the back side 24 of the chamber 16. Both inlets 27 define a semi-circle having a width of 6mm and a length of 3 mm. The inlet 27 is centrally located between the left and

right sides

23, 25 of the chamber, i.e. there is a gap of 10mm between the inlet 27 and either

side

23, 25 of the chamber. The first inlet 27 is located 18mm from the front side 22 of the chamber and 13mm from the first outlet 26. The second inlet 27 is located 18mm from the chamber rear side 24 and 13mm from the second outlet 26. The inlet 27 comprises an injector 31 (see fig. 5) configured to inject cleaning liquid into the chamber 16. The injector 31 extends about 0.5mm above the base of the chamber 16. The cleaning solution may contain 1% by weight of a washing detergent in water and is stored in a cleaning solution bottle 28 which is placed in a bottle holder 29 on a platform 30 towards the middle rear of the main body 4, as shown in fig. 1. When pump 66 is activated, cleaning liquid is caused to flow along tube 32, which extends between bottle 28 and eductor 31 of each intake 27. This configuration is schematically illustrated in fig. 7.

The outlet 26 includes a vacuum point configured to remove waste or used wash fluid from the chamber 16. The spent wash fluid removed from the chamber 16 is transported through the tube 34 into a waste bottle 36, which waste bottle 36 is also placed in a bottle holder 38 on the platform 30. The other tube 40 extends from the waste bottle 36 and when a vacuum pump 68 located on the other tube 40 is activated, gas is caused to flow from the waste bottle 36 through the other tube 40 and into the atmosphere, thereby creating a negative pressure in the waste bottle 36.

A hinge 42 is fixed to one side 46 of the platform 8 by screws 44 and a cover 48 made of clear perspex acrylic is attached to the hinge 42. Fig. 1 shows the lid 48 positioned over the chamber 16 in a closed configuration, and fig. 2 shows the lid 48 in an open configuration, allowing access to the chamber 16. Three tabs 50 are disposed on an underside 52 of the cover 48. In the closed configuration, the projection 50 is disposed directly above the chamber 16 such that the central projection is aligned with the outlet 26 and the two outer projections are aligned with the inlet 27.

A neodymium magnet 54 is also placed on the underside of the cover 48 and a post 56 extends upwardly from the top surface 6 of the body 4 to the right of the platform 8. Another neodymium magnet 58 is mounted on top of the post 56. In the closed configuration, the magnet 54 on the lid 48 is positioned directly above the magnet 58.

Extending upwardly from the base of the chamber 16, a movable sensor 20 is provided that is configured to sense whether a slide 100 is disposed in the chamber 16 when the cover 48 is in the closed configuration. When no slide 100 is inserted into the chamber 16, the sensor 20 is placed in a first extended position whereby the sensor extends upward from the base of the chamber 16 by about 1 mm. When slide 100 is inserted into chamber 16 and cover 48 is moved to the closed configuration, then tabs 50 will push down on slide 100, which in turn will push down on sensor 20 and move it to a second retracted position where the top of sensor 20 is flush with the base of chamber 16. This therefore allows the apparatus 2 to sense when the slide 100 is placed in the chamber 16 and the lid 48 is in the closed configuration. Since the spring (not shown) biases the sensor to the first extended position, if the cover 48 is opened, the weight of the slide 100 is insufficient to move the sensor 100 to the second retracted position. Similarly, if the slide 100 is not present, the sensor 20 will remain in the first extended position even when the cover 48 is in the closed configuration.

As explained in more detail below, the sensor is also configured to move to a third, further extended position, whereby the sensor extends upwardly from the base of the chamber 16 by about 7 mm. This assists the user in removing the slide 100 from the chamber 16.

In use, a user inserts the slide 100 into the chamber 16 and then moves the cover 48 to the closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. When in position, the slide 100 is positioned such that the inlet 104 in the slide 100 is aligned with the wash fluid inlet 27 and the outlet 102 in the slide 100 is aligned with the wash fluid outlet 26. Then, the user presses a start button 64 disposed in the main body 4, which causes the controller disposed in the main body 4 to start a washing cycle. First, the controller checks the position of the sensor 20 and when it is found to be in the second retracted position, a wash cycle will begin. The controller will only begin the cleaning cycle when the sensor is in the second retracted position.

At the beginning of the wash cycle, the controller activates the

pumps

66, 68. A pump 66 feeds cleaning liquid from outlet 26 into chamber 16 along conduit 32. The vacuum pump 68 draws air from the waste bottle 36 through the conduit 40, thereby creating a negative pressure in the waste bottle 36. This causes air to flow through the air inlet 70, chamber inlet 27, and slide inlet 104 into the cell chamber 106. The negative pressure also causes air and cleaning fluid to continue along the conduit 34 through the cell chamber 106, the cell outlet 102, and the chamber outlet 26 into the waste bottle 36. The fluid flow removes the cells and any waste from the cell chamber 106. In addition, a negative pressure is created inside the cell chamber 106 due to the aspiration of air from the outlet 26, and a seal is created and the slide 100 is held firmly in place due to the tab 50 on the cover 48 pressing the slide 100 against the silicon-lined base of the chamber 16 when in the closed position.

After one second, the controller turns off pump 66, but keeps vacuum pump 68 in the on configuration.

This cycle of flushing the chamber 106 with a combination of air flow (vacuum) and cleaning fluid is repeated four more times as shown in fig. 8. The inventors have found that this is sufficient to clean the slide 100. After the last cycle, the vacuum pump 68 remains in the open configuration, flushing the chamber 106 with air to dry the slide 100 for the last 20 or 30 seconds. The controller then turns off the vacuum pump 68, thereby completing the wash cycle.

Once the wash cycle is complete, the user may move the lid 48 to the open configuration, thereby moving the sensor 20 to the first extended position due to the biasing force of the spring. The user may then press the start button 64 again. As previously described, this will cause the controller to check the position of the sensor 20 and when it is found to be in the first extended position, it will cause the sensor to move to the third extended position, thereby raising one side of the slide 100 and assisting in its removal from the chamber 16. The cleaned slide 100 can then be reused. The sensor 20 will remain in the third further extended position while the user maintains pressure on the button 64 and will return to the first extended position once the user releases the button 64.

Buttons

60 and 62 allow the user to manually control the device. Thus, the button 62 activates and deactivates the vacuum pump 68 and the cleaning fluid pump 66 to flush the cell cavities 106 of the slides 100. Button 60 simply activates and deactivates vacuum pump 68 to generate a flow of gas in cell chamber 106 of slide 100 for drying purposes.

SubstitutionProperty of (2)Examples

As mentioned above, the chamber 16 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and described above is configured to accommodate

A cytometer slide 100a, as shown in figure 3 a. However, alternative slides have alternative dimensions and require chambers of slightly different sizes. Accordingly, FIG. 6 shows a Bio-Rad configured to accommodate the configuration shown in FIG. 3bChamber 16 of cytometer slide 100 b.

The chamber 16 shown in FIG. 6 has a structure similar to that of Bio-Rad

The cytometer slide 100b is irregular in shape corresponding to the shape of the slide. The maximum width of the chamber was 26mm, the maximum length was 76mm and the depth was 2 mm.

The base of the chamber 16 shown in figure 6 is also lined with silicon having a shore a hardness of 27 at 20 c, as with the previous chambers, and a moveable sensor 20 is provided.

Two spaced outlets 26 are defined at the base of the chamber 16, these outlets 26 defining a rectangular slot 1.5mm in length and 6mm in width. The first outlet 26 is located 11.5mm from the left side 23 of the chamber 16 and 8.5mm from the right side 25 of the chamber 16. Conversely, the second outlet 26 is positioned 8.5mm from the left side 23 of the chamber 16 and 11.5mm from the right side 25 of the chamber 16. The first outlet 26 is located 34mm from the front side 22 of the chamber 16, the second outlet 26 is located 34mm from the back side 24 of the chamber 16, and the gap between the first outlet and the second outlet 26 is 5 mm.

A first inlet 27 is disposed between the outlet 26 and the front side 22 of the chamber 16 and a second inlet 27 is disposed between the outlet 26 and the back side 24 of the chamber 16. Both inlets 27 define a semi-circle having a width of 6mm and a length of 3 mm. Similar to the outlet 26, the first inlet 27 is located 11.5mm from the left side 23 of the chamber 16 and 8.5mm from the right side 25 of the chamber 16, and the second inlet 26 is located 8.5mm from the left side 23 of the chamber 16 and 11.5mm from the right side 25 of the chamber 16. The first inlet 27 is located 19mm from the front side 22 of the chamber and 14mm from the first outlet 26. The second inlet 27 is located 19mm from the rear side 24 of the chamber and 14mm from the second outlet 26. As with the previously described chambers, the inlet 27 includes an injector 31 configured to inject cleaning fluid into the chamber 16.

Although not shown, it should be understood that alternate chambers 16 may be provided for use with other slides, for example

A cytometer slide 100c is used together.

It should be understood that in another alternative embodiment, the apparatus may include another pump configured to pump air into inlet 27 in addition to vacuum pump 68 or in place of vacuum pump 68. The pump may be activated during the entire washing cycle or only during the drying phase.

Alternative embodiment

Fig. 9 shows another alternative embodiment. This embodiment includes a slide cleaner device 2. Similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the device 2 shown in fig. 9 comprises a body 4 of substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Disposed on the top surface 6 of the body 4 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped platform 8 including a first flange 10 extending from a front face 12 of the platform 8 and a second flange (not shown) extending from a rear face (not shown) of the platform 8. Screws 14 extend through the flange 10 into the body 4 to secure the platform 8 to the body 4.

The platform 8 defines a chamber 16, which chamber 16 is similar to that described above with respect to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2. However, unlike the previously described embodiments, the base of the chamber 16 is lined with a silicone lining having a shore a hardness of 15 at 20 ℃ for improved sealing with the slide 100 when inserted therein.

As explained in more detail above, the chamber includes an outlet 26, the outlet 26 including a vacuum point configured to remove waste or used washing fluid from the chamber 16. The spent wash fluid removed from the chamber 16 is transported through the tube 34 into a waste bottle 36, which waste bottle 36 is also placed in a bottle holder 38 on the platform 30. The other tube 40 extends from the waste bottle 36 and when a vacuum pump 68 located on the other tube 40 is activated, air is caused to flow from the waste bottle 36 through the other tube 40 and into the atmosphere, thereby creating a negative pressure in the waste bottle 36.

In the illustrated embodiment, the other tube 40 includes a hydrophobic filter 200. The filter 200 is a hydrophobic PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) filter with a pore size of 0.22 μm. The filter 200 prevents flow from the waste bottle 36 from entering the vacuum pump 68.

As described with respect to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, hinge 42 attaches cover 48 to platform 8. In the illustrated embodiment, two tabs 50 are disposed on an underside 52 of the cover 48. In the closed configuration, the projection 50 is disposed directly above the inlet 27.

A neodymium magnet 54 is also disposed on the underside of the cover 48. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in fig. 9, another neodymium magnet 202 is placed in the platform 8. In the closed configuration, magnet 54 on cover 48 is positioned directly above magnet 202, and magnet 202 is positioned in platform 8.

The platform also includes a buffer 204. The bumper 204 is the tip of a spring-loaded slow-acting piston whose outer layer comprises rubber. The bumper 204 prevents the cover 48 from slamming upon closing.

In use, a user inserts the slide 100 into the chamber 16 and then moves the cover 48 to the closed configuration. When in position, the slide 100 is positioned such that the inlet 104 in the slide 100 is aligned with the wash fluid inlet 27 and the outlet 102 in the slide 100 is aligned with the wash fluid outlet 26. As explained in more detail below, the device 2 includes a toggle switch 206 that is biased in a central position.

If the user leaves the toggle switch 206 in the center position and presses the start button 208 disposed in the main body 4, the apparatus starts a washing cycle. First, the controller checks the position of the sensor 20 and when it is found to be in the second retracted position, a wash cycle will begin. The controller will only begin the cleaning cycle when the sensor is in the second retracted position.

At the beginning of the wash cycle, the controller activates the

pumps

If the user does not wish to run the automatic wash cycle as described above, a manual wash or dry cycle may be run by manipulating the toggle switch 206. If the user pushes the toggle switch 206 to the right, this will cause the appliance 2 to run a manual wash cycle. First, the controller checks the position of the sensor 20 and if found to be in the second retracted position, both

pumps

66, 68 will be activated. The controller will activate the

pumps

66, 68 only when the sensor is in the second retracted position. The

pumps

66, 68 will continue to operate, causing cleaning fluid and air to flow through the chamber 16 until the user releases the toggle switch 206. Once the toggle switch is released, the controller will turn off both

pumps

66, 68 and the toggle switch will return to the center position.

Alternatively, the user may push the toggle switch 206 to the left to run the apparatus 2 through a manual drying cycle. First, the controller checks the position of the sensor 20 and if found to be in the second retracted position, the vacuum pump 68 will be activated. The controller will only activate the vacuum pump 68 when the sensor is in the second retracted position. The vacuum pump 68 will continue to run, causing air to flow through the chamber 16 until the user releases the toggle switch 206. Once the toggle switch is released, the controller will turn off the vacuum pump 68 and the toggle switch will return to the center position.

Once the manual or automatic cycle is complete, the user may move the cover 48 to the open configuration, thereby moving the sensor 20 to the first extended position due to the biasing force of the spring. The user then presses the start button 208 again. As previously described, this will cause the controller to check the position of the sensor 20 and when it is found to be in the first extended position, it will cause the sensor to move to the third extended position, thereby raising one side of the slide 100 and assisting in its removal from the chamber 16. The slide 100 can then be reused. The sensor 20 will remain in the third further extended position while the user maintains pressure on the button 208 and will return to the first extended position once the user releases the button 208.

Conclusion

The inventors have found that by cleaning a so-called disposable slide 100 in the manner described above, it can be reused at least fifteen times. This greatly reduces the cost of using a cytometer. And the biological loss of the plastic is greatly reduced, and the research laboratory is helped to become more ecological and environment-friendly.

Furthermore, because the slides are not manually cleaned, the risk of user exposure to biohazardous materials is greatly reduced.

Claims

1. A slide cleaner apparatus, comprising: a cleaning chamber configured to hold a cytometry slide; at least one fluid inlet arranged to substantially align with an inlet on a cytometric slide when positioned within the chamber and configured to feed a cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber and slide; and at least one fluid outlet configured to remove the cleaning fluid from the cleaning chamber and the slide.

2. The slide cleaner apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning chamber defines a maximum length of 50mm to 200mm, a maximum width of 10mm to 100mm, and a depth of 1mm to 20 mm.

3. The slide cleaner apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the at least one fluid inlet is disposed at a base of the chamber.

4. A slide cleaner device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one fluid inlet is substantially semi-circular.

5. A slide cleaner apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each inlet comprises a fluid jet configured to feed cleaning fluid into the cleaning chamber and slides, and the jet extends 0.01mm to 3mm above the base of the chamber.

6. A slide cleaner device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises two inlets and each inlet is arranged to substantially align with an inlet on a cytometric slide when located on the chamber.

7. A slide cleaner device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one fluid outlet is arranged to substantially align with an outlet on the cytometric slide.

8. A slide cleaner device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one fluid outlet is disposed at a base of the chamber.

9. A slide cleaner device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one fluid outlet is substantially rectangular.

10. A slide cleaner device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises two outlets and each outlet is arranged to substantially align with an outlet on a cytometric slide when located on the chamber.

11. A slide cleaner device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base of the chamber comprises a silicon liner.

12. The slide cleaner apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the silicon lining has a shore a hardness of 5 to 40 at 20 ℃.

13. A slide cleaner device according to any preceding claim, wherein the slide cleaner comprises a cover configured to removably cover the cleaning chamber and a slide when located in the chamber.

14. The slide cleaner apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus includes a locking device configured to lock the cover in a closed configuration.

15. A slide cleaner apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the locking means comprises a stud disposed on the cover and another stud disposed on the locking point, wherein the studs are disposed substantially adjacent one another when the cover is in the closed configuration, wherein both studs comprise a magnet.

16. A slide cleaner device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the cover includes at least one projection disposed on an underside of the cover such that the or each projection contacts a slide when located within the chamber when the cover is in the closed configuration.

17. A slide cleaner device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the device includes a sensor configured to detect whether a slide is placed within the cleaning chamber and whether the cover is in the closed configuration.

18. The slide cleaner device according to claim 17, wherein the sensor comprises:

-a protrusion movable between a first extended position in which it extends above the base of the chamber and a second retracted position in which it is substantially flush with the base of the chamber; and

-a biasing device configured to bias the sensor to the first extended position;

and the projection is configured to move to the second retracted position when a slide is placed in the chamber and the cover is moved to the closed configuration.

19. The slide cleaner apparatus of claim 18, wherein in the first extended position, the projection extends above a base of the chamber a height less than a depth of the chamber.

20. A slide cleaner apparatus according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the apparatus includes an ejector configured to eject slides from the chamber.

21. The slide cleaner apparatus of claim 20, wherein the ejector includes a sensor and the projection is movable to a third further extended position in which the projection extends above a base of the chamber by a height greater than a depth of the chamber.

22. A slide cleaner device according to any preceding claim, wherein the slide cleaner further comprises: a cleaning fluid reservoir configured to store a cleaning fluid therein; a cleaning fluid conduit extending between the cleaning fluid reservoir and the at least one fluid inlet and configured to transport cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the or each outlet; and a cleaning fluid pump configured to pump cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the or each inlet along the cleaning fluid conduit.

23. A slide cleaner device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cleaning fluid comprises water and from 0.01 to 20 wt% surfactant.

24. A slide cleaner apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the slide cleaner comprises: a waste fluid reservoir configured to store a waste fluid therein; a waste fluid conduit extending between the or each outlet and the waste fluid reservoir and configured to transport fluid from the or each outlet to the waste fluid reservoir; and a vacuum pump configured to pump fluid from the or each outlet along the waste fluid conduit to the waste fluid reservoir.

25. A slide cleaner apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the slide cleaner comprises control means configured to run a wash cycle on the apparatus and initiating means configured to send a signal to the control means to initiate the wash cycle.

26. A slide cleaner device according to claim 25 wherein the device is configured to run an automatic wash cycle comprising a duration of 0.001 to 120 seconds.

27. A method of cleaning a cytometry slide, the method comprising:

-placing a cytometric slide into the clean chamber;

-substantially aligning an inlet of a slide with a cleaning fluid inlet within the chamber;

-feeding a cleaning fluid through the cleaning fluid inlet into the cleaning chamber and the inlet of the slide and allowing the cleaning fluid to flow through the slide; and

28. The method of claim 27, wherein discharging cleaning fluid into the chamber comprises discharging cleaning fluid into the chamber for 1 to 3 seconds.

29. The method of claim 27 or claim 28, wherein removing fluid from the cleaning chamber comprises removing fluid from the cleaning chamber and slide while discharging cleaning fluid into the chamber.

30. The method of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein discharging cleaning fluid into the chamber comprises discharging cleaning fluid into the chamber 1 to 30 times, with each time spaced at a predetermined interval.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the predetermined interval is 0.5 to 3 seconds.

32. A method according to claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the method comprises removing fluid from the cleaning chamber during the or each predetermined interval.

33. The method of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein after discharging a cleaning fluid to the chamber, the method comprises drying the slide by removing fluid from the cleaning chamber for 0.5 to 30 seconds.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein drying the slide comprises sending air into the inlet under positive pressure for 0.5 to 30 seconds.